PMRC Scheme 2026: Prime Minister Research Chair Application Deadline Extended to August 15, Check Eligibility, Fellowship Categories and How to Apply

The Ministry of Education has extended the application submission deadline for the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026 to August 15, 2026, giving accomplished Indian-origin researchers, scientists, and professionals working abroad additional time to apply. The extension also benefits eligible host institutions preparing project proposals under the scheme. Candidates and institutions can submit applications through the official PMRC portal, pmrc.education.gov.in.

The application window for the PMRC Scheme originally opened on June 1, 2026, and the earlier cut-off has now been pushed to mid-August following what the ministry described as an overwhelming response, with thousands of applications received so far. In a post on X, the ministry called the scheme an opportunity for distinguished Indian-origin researchers across the world to contribute to India's next chapter of R&D-led growth and be part of the nation's journey towards an Aatmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat.

The call to connect “Global Indian Talent” with Bharat’s scientific and innovation future has received an overwhelming response, with thousands of applications received under the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme.

This is an opportunity for accomplished Indian-origin… pic.twitter.com/CipxUdnAtJ

— Ministry of Education (@EduMinOfIndia) July 29, 2026

What is the PMRC Scheme? Full Form and Objective

PMRC's full form is the Prime Minister Research Chair Scheme. It is a central sector scheme of the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India. The programme is designed to attract leading Indian-origin researchers, scientists, technologists, and professionals from top international universities, research laboratories, and industry, and place them at premier government Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and national research laboratories in India to undertake high-impact research.

The scheme aims to strengthen India's research value chain across 13 priority sectors, including advanced computing, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, healthcare, biotechnology, climate change, space, and defence, among other areas of national importance.

PMRC Scheme 2026: Three Pillars of the Programme

The Prime Minister Research Chair Scheme is anchored on three core pillars:

1. Lead Institutions

2. Host Institutions

3. PMRC Fellows

The scheme will be operationalised through India's leading government HEIs, national laboratories, and research institutes, creating a structured pathway for global research talent to work within the Indian innovation ecosystem.

PMRC Fellowship Categories: YRF, SF and Research Chairs

To accommodate researchers at different career stages, the scheme offers three levels of engagement:

• Young Research Fellows (YRF) — researchers with up to five years of post-PhD experience

• Senior Fellows (SF) — researchers with five to less than ten years of post-PhD experience

• Research Chairs (RC) — researchers with ten or more years of post-PhD experience along with demonstrated research leadership

The scheme plans to engage at least 120 distinguished Indian-origin researchers, scientists, and professionals over the five-year period from 2026-27 to 2030-31, with engagement tenures extending up to five years.

PMRC Host Institutions: Who is Eligible?

Eligible host institutions include government HEIs ranked among the top 100 in the NIRF Overall category, top 100 in the NIRF Engineering category, or top 50 in the NIRF Research category, along with identified national laboratories and research institutions under organisations such as DBT, DST, ICMR, and CSIR.

Host institutions are expected to demonstrate a strong research, development and innovation environment, industry-academia partnerships, robust research infrastructure, and a proven track record of research output and patent commercialisation. Institutions can submit multiple project proposals across different thematic areas.

Role and Responsibilities of PMRC Fellows

According to the official notification, selected PMRC fellows are expected to:

• Conduct original, high-impact research in identified priority sectors in collaboration with the host institution

• Teach and co-design courses, contributing to curriculum enrichment

• Mentor doctoral, postdoctoral, and postgraduate students and junior researchers

• Facilitate international collaborations, publications, and co-funded R&D projects

PMRC Scheme 2026: How to Apply Before August 15

1. Visit the official PMRC website,pmrc.education.gov.in

2. Register on the portal with valid credentials

3. Select the applicable fellowship category (YRF, SF, or RC)

4. Fill in academic, research, and professional details

5. Upload required documents and submit the application before August 15, 2026

Interested and eligible candidates and host institutions are advised to complete their submissions well before the extended pmrc application deadline to avoid last-minute portal congestion.